Bill Gosse column: Coaches must show respect when game is in hand

During the Green Bay Packers' recent lopsided 55-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans, there was a situation late in the game where I wondered whether Packers coach Mike McCarthy would decide to go on fourth down or attempt a field goal.

The Packers went for and made the first down, but they gave the Titans a fair chance to stop the Packers' offense. This first down allowed the Packers to continue their efforts at running out the clock instead of running up the score.

If the Packers had executed a pass play on that down, they could have been accused of trying to rub it in - and I believe rightfully so.

I respect coaches who are concerned about the well-being of their opponents. This is of utmost importance at the youth level, and, as shown by McCarthy, certainly has a place in the professional ranks.

How can coaches guard against running up the score?

Wisconsin high school football rules contain a built-in control with a running clock that goes into effect during the second half of games in which one team is more than 35 points ahead.

Most of the time, the running clock prevents further embarrassment, but sometimes the running clock may not help. In those situations, how can a coach do his best to show respect to opponents?

Besides removing starters from the game and running the ball to take more time, one of the obscure rules we discussed a few weeks back could be used.

We mentioned how high school football has a rule that the team scored upon can decide to kick or receive.

A loyal reader informed me his high school coach used the rule as a way to minimize running up the score.

After building an insurmountable lead, the coach decided to kick off again - instead of receiving - after being scored upon. This gave the other team an additional opportunity to put up points and maintain its dignity.

In those days, there was no running clock, so this was, and still is, an appropriate way to show respect.

Baseball and softball coaches have the 10-run rule to shorten games if necessary, but coaches also can put a stop to stealing bases, advancing on passed balls and wild pitches and other situations in which normal advancements would take place.

Basketball and hockey coaches can teach their players to make extra passes when they have a big lead, insisting on only shooting when close to the net or hoop. This not only guards against running up the score, but serves as a great self-discipline drill for future close games.

Applying the full-court press in basketball when ahead by a wide margin is never acceptable, and those that justify doing it because "that's their only method of play" are offering a weak excuse.

When the integrity of the game and respect for our opponents are kept in the forefront of our minds, decisions to go for it - or not - will be easy ones indeed.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Bill Gosse column: Coaches must show respect when game is in hand

During the Green Bay Packers' recent lopsided 55-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans, there was a situation late in the game where I wondered whether Packers coach Mike McCarthy would decide to go on

A link to this page will be included in your message.

Join Our Team!

If you are interested in working for an innovative media company, you can learn more by visiting: